Charming Hannah (Big Sky 1)

“Cool.” Grace smiles. “I’ve invited Jenna and Max too, so bring Brad with you.”

“Yes, ma’am. Who else is coming?”

“Not anyone else I can think of. It’s going to be on the smaller side. I invited the King family, but they have their own traditions for the holiday. We’ll go out on the lake and eat a ton of food and we have a great view of the fireworks from our deck.”

“Sounds like fun.”

She checks her phone when it pings. “This is Jacob. I’d better go.”

“Oh, I’ll grab the clutch for you.”

I hurry back to my closet and pull the small handbag out of its protective covering and take it out to my friend. “Have tons of fun, and send me photos.”

“I will.” She hugs me tightly. “And stop stressing out about this Brad thing. Just enjoy the super hot sex and being with someone nice to you. One day at a time.”

I nod and then hide my smile behind my hand when she runs into the doorframe.

My sweet Grace is anything but graceful.

She rubs her shoulder where I’m sure she’ll get a bruise, and waves from the car.

I should go crash, but now that I’ve talked about Brad and finished my coffee, I’m surprisingly not sleepy. Exhausted to the bone, but not sleepy.

Damn it.

I glance around my small house, wondering if there’s something to clean, but my housekeeper was here yesterday and it’s all done.

I can’t exercise. It might kill me.

I could read, except my eyes are tired.

Why won’t my brain shut off?

“I need a pet,” I mutter. “Something to talk to and snuggle up to when Brad’s not available.”

And then an idea forms in my head. I reach for my phone and dial Brad’s number.

“You’re awake,” he says with surprise.

“I am and I’m wondering if I can borrow your dog.”

There’s a pause. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just want some company and all of you normal people are at work. So can I please borrow Sadie?”

“Sure, she’s here at my office. I can bring her to you.”

“I’ll come get her. It’s not far.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. See you in a few.”

Excited at the idea of seeing not only Sadie but her sexy as hell owner as well, I grab my keys and bag and hurry out to the car. The police station is only a five minute drive from my house.

When I pull into the parking lot, Brad is standing on the sidewalk with Sadie on her leash.

“Hey,” I say when I climb out of the car and join them. “Thanks for letting me borrow her.”

“I’m beginning to think you’re just with me for my dog.”

I’m feeling sassy, so I reach up and fist my hand in the back of his hair, pulling him down to kiss me. It’s quick, but it’s hot, and when he pulls away, I lick my lips.

“Well, I guess as long as we understand each other,” I say and he frowns, as if he doesn’t understand what I mean. “About Sadie. I’m just sticking around for her.”

“Right.” He passes me her leash and Sadie nudges my leg, ready to be petted.

“Do you want to go home with me, sweet girl?” She smiles up at me sweetly. “I think that means yes.”

“I’ll bring some food for her when I bring you dinner,” he says. “She’s done her business not long ago, so you’re good to go.”

“Great.” I smile up at him and turn away, leading her to my car. I open the door and she happily jumps in, settling into the passenger seat. “She’s done this before.”

He laughs. “Go get some rest. I’ll see you this evening.”

I nod and take us both home. Sadie is excited when I open the front door for her. She runs for the couch, but I stop her.

“No, girl, we’re going to bed.” Her ears perk up and she turns her head to the side, listening. “Follow me.”

I walk to my cool, dark bedroom, strip out of my clothes, and collapse onto the bed, pulling my big, heavy comforter over me. I have an extra heavy comforter that is supposed to help with anxiety.

So far, it works.

I also have blackout shades for the windows because I work at night so often, and I keep the AC low. I need a cold bedroom.

Once I’m settled in, I pat the bed next to me and Sadie jumps up with me, laying her head on my arm. “Thanks for hanging out with me today, sweet girl.”

She whines happily, and I decide to send Brad a selfie of us. We both smile at the camera and I shoot it off to him.

Several moments later, he replies with, “Wish I was there with you.”

I just send back, “Soon” and snuggle up to this sweet dog.

“Did you know you’re very cuddly?” I ask her, petting her super soft head and ears. “You are. And your fur on your head is so soft. You’re such a good girl.”